Audit exposes major financial irregularities in Greater Iqbal Park construction.
An audit report presented to the Punjab Assembly has revealed significant financial mismanagement in the construction of Greater Iqbal Park.
The audit revealed that over Rs. 21.98 million was spent on unnecessary expenditures, casting doubt on project management practices.
Moreover, it was noted that Rs. 107 million was allocated to employees of the National History Museum without proper documentation, highlighting serious transparency issues in salary distribution.
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The Parks and Horticulture Authority (PHA) is also under scrutiny for incurring a loss of Rs. 106.4 million due to a poorly handled contract with the National Museum.
The audit further indicates that expenditure records exceeding Rs 80 million were missing, complicating efforts to ascertain the proper allocation of funds.
More than Rs 10 million was reportedly spent in breach of regulations regarding the park’s opening.
One of the most alarming findings is unauthorized advance payments of over Rs. 205 million to private firms by park management, lacking necessary approvals and documentation.
These revelations have ignited public outrage, prompting thorough investigations and accountability.
The Punjab government is facing increasing pressure to address the financial irregularities associated with the project.
Greater Iqbal Park, formerly Iqbal Park and Minto Park, is an urban park located on the outskirts of the Walled City in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan.
Noted as the home of Minar-e-Pakistan, the 329-acre park includes an artificial lake which spreads over four acres which includes an 800-feet-long musical fountain.
